House Committee Advances Vet Mobility Act

A bill that ensures veterinarians have the ability to provide mobile or ambulatory services in the field to the horse community passed out of a United States House Energy and Commerce committee April 3.

The Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act (H.R. 1528) now goes to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Kurt Schrader of Oregon and Rep. Ted Yoho of Florida, both of whom are veterinarians. The U.S. Senate passed its version of the Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act in January.

The Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act amends the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to clarify that veterinarians are allowed to transport, administer, and dispense controlled substances and medications outside of their registered offices and hospitals.

The Drug Enforcement Administration changed its interpretation of provisions of the CSA regarding what veterinarians may carry with them and has stated it now believes it is illegal for veterinarians to transport controlled substances and medications for use outside of their registered locations, such as an animal hospital.

But equine veterinarians often provide mobile services and treat horses at farms, training facilities, horse shows, or racetracks. In many cases it is not possible for owners to bring their horses to a clinic or hospital. For this reason, veterinarians have for years carried any medications they may need with them secured in their vehicle. Their ability to do this and provide care to horses in the field is in jeopardy without this legislation.